Beautiful Life and Style

Tag Archives: architecture


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Back from Barcelona!

Annnnnnd…. we’re back! I don’t know if in the hectic past month I even mentioned I was traveling to Spain, but we’ve just returned from our week long vacation! This was the big one I’ve been needing! So much time to unwind and relax- I’m so sad its over- its been a painful transition back to the “real world”. But I have LOTS to share (especially in the architecture department) so look forward to more photos this week! In the meantime, here are a few spoilers for you to enjoy (I actually took these!):

IMG_0072 IMG_0114 IMG_0195 IMG_0274 IMG_0360


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Meet Me in St. Louis

Its been an emotional week. I feel like the entire city of Boston has been walking around in a daze. You want to return to the same routine, to stop thinking about the tragedy- but the reality is, it will be a while before we can escape it. It’s hard to find closure when they STILL don’t even know who did this.

Which is why I am really excited that Nick and I are headed to St. Louis this weekend for our 5 year college reunion. I think the change of scenery will really be good for us. It would be hard not to be uplifted by reuniting with friends we haven’t seen in so long and visiting places where I have some of the happiest memories of my life. St. Louis is the city I called home for 4 years, and our campus is still one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. (The main buildings were built as part of the 1904 World’s Fair- and the Collegiate Gothic architecture is repeated in nearly every campus building)

WashU in the FallWashU Late SpringBrookings Hall

So I’m signing off until next week! Hope to have many fun updates about my adventures.


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I was planning to write…

… but a mob got in my way. Really. I was PLANNING to write today about the Restoration Hardware opening that Nick and I attended last night. The new “RH Gallery” has completely transformed the space once lived in by Louis, Bonwit Teller and the old Boston Society for Natural History (aka what is now the Museum of Science).

Well, if you follow me on twitter, you might have seen my rantings about the relative MAYHEM at the party.  This one ended up being shut down by the police- and not in a “oh how cool” sort of way. Honestly, the space was AMAZING- but there were so many people we could barely move. I couldn’t find one drink, or tasty snack and while the singer Edei was good- I’ve been less pushed around in “mosh pits” at metal concerts.

I’m over being disappointed, so I’ll leave you with my ONE picture. (note that its of the only good view I had- the ceiling) I’ll have to visit this weekend to better view the architectural renovations. Stay tuned!

Restoration Hardware Boston


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AD’s 10 Blockbuster Buildings

It’s those lazy days following the holidays. Is this a “just me” phenomena? I come home and have no interest in working out or putting away decorations- or preparing blog posts- I can’t motivate myself to do anything really, except lie around and read magazines. It’s a bit of escapism. I guess life could be worse.

Yesterday, I spent some time catching up on one of my favorite subscriptions, Architectural Digest. AD is a funny magazine because despite the name, it usually only focuses on amazing interiors. But every once in a while, they feature a few architectural masterpieces that blow me away. Especially this month. If you haven’t picked up the most recent issue I suggest you do. “10 Blockbuster Buildings from Around the World” will knock your socks off. The article features 10 buildings that were built in the past few years- and each is now on my “must see” travel list! They vary in architectural style, location and size but are each linked together with an inspired design unlike anything you’ve seen anywhere else. These three were my absolute favorites:

Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill NY. Of all of the places on the list, this one is definitely closest to home- so its first on my list for visiting! The Parrish Art Museum features the work of a colony of artists from Eastern Long Island. The current exhibitions would be reason enough alone to visit, but I’m sure they seem even more amazing in such an inspired building!

Water Mill NY Parrish Art Museum

Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain. The story behind this structure is absolutely amazing. Developers were planning a new underground parking garage in Seville when they encountered an undiscovered Roman archaeological site. The country immediately changed courses and created a new national landmark complete with museum, observatory and restaurants.

Seville Metropol parasol

Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Singapore. The booming Marina Bay in Singapore is home to many amazing attractions- including these Gardens by the Bay. There are 7 different attractions each highlighting a different climate and garden style. The first picture is of the two “garden domes” and the next picture of of the 50 meter tall “supertrees” The goal of the site is to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be to explore this area of the city!

Singapore Gardens by the Bay2 Singapore Gardens by the Bay

The other buildings were equally amazing so I suggest you check out the article! Have you been to any of the ones featured?? I’d love to hear about it!


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A home in the city

If you follow me on instagram you might know that this past weekend Nick and I went for a nice Fall stroll through Back Bay and Beacon Hill, two of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods.

The homes in this area were built well before anyone alive was born and there is so much charm in the uncorrupted, traditional architecture. I mean- what other major city has this? Save for the lone air conditioner- this picture could have been taken in 1904 and would probably have looked exactly the same. I always wonder what secrets these homes hold of the former residents. What people lived there? What historical events were discussed or occurred between these walls.

And then of course after ogling to the point of tourist excess, I go one step further to wonder what these homes look like on the inside. While most of these townhouses have been divided up into several units- every one in a while you realize that some of them are single family homes. Living in a townhouse is probably my dream of dreams and I always enjoy looking at real-estate listings online its always good motivation to keep working. So yesterday, I happen to come across this one.

It is an ACTUAL house. Like two story, 3000 square feet, with shingles and windows, and ivy crawling up the sides, and trees in front, and a style somewhat reminiscent of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but IN THE CITY.  This “Sunflower Castle” in Beacon Hill is currently on the market for $4.6 mil and while the colors are agreeably- out there- I can’t get over how charming it is! If you ever have trouble deciding between living in the city vs the suburbs- this is the house for you!

Sunflower Castle

exposed beams? LOVE

gorgeous details!

this looks cozy

And then it just goes completely insane:

let me remind you… this is DOWNTOWN BOSTON

So yeah. I guess the bar just got set a little higher.

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